Much of the year, a bull's giant antlers are encased in a velvet skin laced with thousands of blood vessels to deliver blood and nutrients. As they finish growing, and when the rutting season hits, bulls thrash their antlers against trees to remove the velvet.

Elk descend from the high country in autumn for the annual mating rut. Cows form large herds and bulls linger anxiously on the periphery while battling for dominance. Though violent clashes occur, mature bulls prefer bugling and displaying their antlers, necks and bodies to fighting.

Mature males emit strong, musky odors and bugle loudly to attract mates. Fittingly, rut is derived from the Latin word meaning roar. Cows and younger bulls may also bugle, but can't match the strength of the older bulls' calls.

Prime bulls (8-9 years old) stand the best chance of mating, a taxing process that severely weakens the animal. Some of the most successful males from a breeding standpoint fail to survive the following winter.

Though predation has been reduced with the extirpation of grizzlies and wolves, elk face habitat fragmentation and limited access to winter feeding grounds due to accelerated development on adjacent lands.

MOOSE

Adult males (bulls) can weigh 1,500 pounds and stand over 6' at the shoulder. Males are distinguished from other Cervidaes by their palmated antlers, which can reach 6' wide and weigh 90 pounds.

Adult females (cows) are smaller, averaging 700 - 800 pounds and 5-6' at the shoulder. They do not grow antlers.

Both sexes have a distinct flap of skin that dangles from their neck called a bell. It's more pronounced in males than females, and its purpose for each is debated. Some believe that its size may indicate a male's fitness to a female, serving as secondary sexual criteria to antlers.

Despite their bulky build moose are exceptionally fast runners; they can reach 35 mph in short bursts and maintain a steady 20 mph trot. Moose spend a significant time in water and are proficient swimmers.

They can swim for several miles across lakes, and hold their breath up to 30 seconds. Moose have poor eyesight and are believed color blind, but make up for this with strong smell and hearing. Poor eyesight contributes to dangerous human encounters.

Moose are more common on the Indian Peaks' west side, where marsh and aquatic plants are more abundant. They will venture east in late summer and through fall once mountain passes have cleared.

BIGHORN SHEEP

Bighorn Sheep live on high mountainsides, alpine valleys and steep cliffs.

Males are called Rams and weigh 175 - 300 lbs (desert subspecies are on the smaller end of this range). Males reach full maturity by age 8 and live 9-12 years

Only rams grow the large, distinctly spiral-shaped horns that curl behind their ears and back up towards the face. Ewes sport mush shorter and straighter horns. A mature male's horns can weigh over 30 pounds can measure over 30â€ in length and 15â€in diameter.

Horns help determine rank within the herd, though males will deliberately shorten them by scraping rocks if the horns impede vision.

Females are called Ewes and weigh 75 - 175 lbs. They have an average lifespan of 10 - 14 years.

Ewes live in groups of 5-15 but form larger bands in the winter. Males will travel in smaller groups of 2-7 until joining the female herds for the autumn rut.

Big Horn Sheep have extremely acute eyesight. They can spot and track predators and people from over 1 mile away during the day. Impossible terrain dissuades many would-be predators, though mountain lions are very capable of reaching them in their lower range. Golden eagles are proficient at knocking younger, less sure-footed animals off cliffs.

MOUNTAIN GOAT

Mountain Goats range across North America's northern mountains, with large populations in Idaho, Montana and British Columbia . They were introduced to Colorado in 1947 to bolster the state's hunting allure, though debate continues regarding their indigenous status.

Mountain goats live in small groups at the highest elevations, feeding on alpine tundra grasses, mosses, lichens and sedges.

Males (Billyies) can weigh up to 300 lbs, and Females (Nannies) are somewhat smaller. Both have sharp black horns that can reach 12 inches. Heavily cushioned, skid-proof hooves give them exceptional balance and traction, and double-layered wool coats can withstand extreme weather conditions.

Since they rarely venture below treeline, mountain goats have few natural predators. Avalanches and rocks slides are their primary concern, though eagles are known to knock smaller animals off cliffs, and mountain lion have some success hunting in their lower range.

BIRDS

280 bird species have been reported in the Rocky Mountain National Park and Indian Peaks Wilderness districts. Most are unique to mountainous habitats of the Southern Rocky Mountains. Specialty species include:

Indian Peaks Wilderness Area - Camping

Indian Peaks Wilderness: Permits ARE REQUIRED for all overnight use in the Indian Peaks Wilderness June 1 - September 15. Permits are $5 per party. Permit applications are not accepted online - Mail or In-Person pickup only.

James Peak Wilderness: Permits ARE NOT REQUIRED for camping in the James Peak Wilderness.

BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING RULES AND REGULATIONS

Permits are required for all overnight use June 1 - September 15.

Camping is prohibited in the Four Lakes Backcountry Zone May 1 - November 30. This includes Mitchel Lake, Blue Lake, Long Lake and Lake Isabelle.

In the Diamond, Jasper, Crater and Caribou Lakes Backcountry Zones, camping is permitted only at designated campsites.

Campfires are prohibited on the east side of the Continental Divide, as well as Caribou Lake, Columbine Lake, Gourd Lake, Crater Lake and in the Cascade Creek drainage above Cascade Falls.

Camping is prohibited within 100' of lakes, streams and trails.

Where there are no designated campsites, camp in established (previously used) sites to minimize impact. These sites are intuitively found along trails and creeks.

Dogs are permitted on trails in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Pets must be on a held leash at all times.

Day and Overnight Permits are required for large groups (8 or more people) and/or organized groups such as scouts, churches, schools, internet outdoor groups and hiking clubs.

Group size is limited to a maximum of 12 people or people and packstock combined.

Motorized or mechanized equipment, including bikes, wagons, carts and chainsaws, are not permitted.

Packstock is prohibited in the Four Lakes Backcountry Zone, the Cascade Backcountry Zone above Cascade Falls, and on the Diamond Lake Trail #975.

Hobbling, tethering or picketing of packstock is prohibited within 100 feet of lakes, streams or trails.

Only pelletized or steam-rolled feed grains, or certified weed-free hay, straw, or mulch are allowed.

Food Storage Tips

All food and scented items must be secured 24 hours a day. Bear canisters are the best way to protect your supplies and wildlife. Food must otherwise be hung.

Food must be hung at least 10' above the ground and 4' from a tree trunk. It takes at least 50' of rope to properly hang food.

Keep all scented items out of your tent, including personal items. Store them with your food.

Bears are not the only animals with great noses: deer, raccoons, jays, bighorn sheep and mountain goat may also be interested in your food, or salts from urine and sweat around your campsite. Keep a clean camp to avoid unwanted visitors.

Field Tips

You must treat, filter or boil any drinking water obtained from streams, lakes or snow in the backcountry. Though water may appear pristine, it's generally not safe to drink due to giardia and other harmful bacteria.

Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the Rocky Mountains, especially July-August. Be mindful of changing weather and aim for treeline well before storms develop.

Insect repellent is advisable.

Where there are no maintained trails in the tundra, do not walk in single file - spread out to avoid wearing out concentrated areas. Minimize damage by walking over rocks as much as possible.

Planning Tips

Speak with a Ranger before heading into the backcountry. Ask specific questions about trail conditions, weather and terrain.

Use a good topo map to plan your itinerary. Distance, elevation gain, elevation at your destination and water availability are primary considerations when planning backcountry travel.

If you live at sea level, it will take several days to acclimate to higher elevations. Most trails begin above 9,000' and climb steeply.

Anticipate a wide range of weather conditions on your trip. Never assume that weather conditions early in the day or at lower elevations will be the same at your final destination.

The Pawnee Campground is open late June - late October. It's located in a mature spruce-fir forest at 10,500'.

There are 39 campsites that accommodate tents, campers, trailers or RVs. There are also 8 walk-in campsites available for tent camping.

Sites are $19 per night. Oversize units are $22 per night. Reservations for sites 15 - 39 will be accepted up to four days prior to arrival and cost an additional $10 per reservation by phone, or $9 for reservations online. Entrance fees to the Brainard Lake Recreation Area also apply ($10).

A maximum of eight people are allowed per site except for units 12 and 32, which will accommodate 12 people each.

Camp Dick : 877.444.6777 : Recreation.gov

Camp Dick is located just off the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway north of Nederland.

The campground has 41 sites in a mixed pine-aspen forest along Middle St Vrain Creek. Campsites accommodate tents and RVs.

$19 - $22 fee per site per night.

Sites include picnic tables and campfire ring with grill. Water spigots, vault toilets, and trash services are provided at the campground. Firewood may be purchased in peak season.

There are no electrical hook-ups, dump stations, or showers. Tents must remain on tent pads.

Reservations are recommended, but a limited number of sites may be available on a first-come, first served basis.

Indian Peaks Wilderness Area - Fishing

The Indian Peaks and James Peak Wilderness offer some of the best fishing in the state of Colorado.

A Colorado State Fishing License is required in all public areas and fishing is prohibited on private land without the expressed consent of said landowner. Information on obtaining a valid fishing license can be found on the Division of Wildlife Website:

wildlife.state.co.us/ShopDOW/AppsAndLicenses/

Because fishing regulations are different from area to area, it is recommended to call ahead to the corresponding management agency for the latest fishing, bait and 'manner of take' rules.

Boulder Ranger District:National Forest Lands in Boulder County and portions of Gilpin and Jefferson counties